Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Greetings all, WoW – where does the time go? I too (then, SSgt. Tom Wharton) was also stationed at the RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge bases from Jan 1977 to Jan 1980. I was initially an F4D aircraft Crew Chief (78th FS) at Woodbridge and Bentwaters, then I was moved over to the Bentwaters side of the base where I continued to ‘crew” F4’s, about a year later we all converted to the A-10 aircraft but that first year was very exciting, lots of flying, deploying and exercises. Soon the A-10 aircraft conversion took place, I was again assigned as an A-10 Crew Chief for one year (91st FS) reassigned to the Bentwaters side of the base. I soon volunteered and was picked up to be assigned to the Maintenance Operations (old Job Control) Center as a Squadron, Board Controller for the Bentwaters (91st) side of the base. I was there and remember that terrible night in April 1978 when the F4 Fuel Barn (on Phase Row) blew up due to that “static electricity accident” that killed that young Airman, I remember how bravely some of the folks involved in that event fought to try and save lives and control that fire, it was a terrible night for all folks involved. One year earlier (within the first year of my arrival) I myself was involved in a serious aircraft (accident) fire which I and a good friend (who worked with me as a fellow Crew Chief, SSgt Roger Tingley) managed to extinguish a serious fire without loss of life (see attachment) that was a hell’va an afternoon too, I’ll never forget it. However, on a happier note, I truly enjoyed all my time at that installation, our deployments, hard work and exercises which was part of being in USAFE and the Cold War. I still think of Bentwaters and the U.K. often with very fond memories, I really enjoyed the English countryside, the pubs and all around site seeing experience I had, the folks and country were a wonderful experience. I just wanted to say “hello” to all those who shared in many of the same experiences I did while assigned to this great location, best of luck to all in future. Signed Tom Wharton, USAF Retired SMSgt (1969 to 1996). Thomas W. Wharton From: Marilyn Mong [mailto:mammong@msn.com] My husbands pic is the middle bottom line on page 136. I am Marilyn (nee Overett) and I get to go home a couple times a year. I just brought a grand son over in March for his graduation. He loved the castles. We never kept in touch with many people, as quite a few didn’t stay together.
From: Wharton, Thomas W Civ USAF AFMC OO-ALC/XPO [mailto:Thomas.Wharton@HILL.af.mil] I was a member of the 78th from January 1977 to June 1979, I was a Crew Chief (SSgt. Tom Wharton) on F4’s and was also part of the conversion to the A-10. Later in that same assignment (after the conversion), I then volunteered to be assigned to Maintenance Control as a “board controller”, just wanted a change for awhile and the Command and Control experience for future increases in grade within the USAF, that too was quite the learning experience for me.
I retired from RAF Lakenheath in Nov 1995 (Maintenance Superintendent of the 492nd FS) but by far, some of the best experiences and fun times I ever encountered took place at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge bases during the 1970’s. I ran into Billy – G – McCoy on several occasions over my USAF career, last time I saw him (before his retirement) he was a Major General. Back when I was at Bentwaters (77 – 80) , he was my commander (78th), I feel there are not too many like him around anymore, he is a great man and Air Force leader. Anyway, I just wanted to check in and say “Hello” to all folks that were lucky enough to have been assigned to this great location and base during their hitch in the USAF – thanks for the wonderful memories but from the USAF and the United Kingdom. Take care all….. Thomas W. Wharton |
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